KENAS Participates in Global ACI General Assembly, Advancing International Recognition and Trade Confidence
Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) participated in the 2026 General Assembly of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI), reinforcing Kenya's commitment to international accreditation cooperation and the recognition of accredited conformity assessment results across global markets.
KENAS was represented by Ms. Felista Nyakoe, Acting Director, Accreditation, and Ms. Beryl Mukhwana, Senior Accreditation Officer – Inspection and Certification, who joined representatives of accreditation bodies and other stakeholders from around the world to deliberate on strategic and technical matters shaping the future of accreditation.
The General Assembly provided an important platform for strengthening international cooperation, advancing harmonisation of accreditation practices and making decisions aimed at sustaining confidence in accredited conformity assessment services.
Key Decisions Shaping Global Accreditation
Among the significant outcomes was the approval of the Global ACI Strategic Framework 2026–2028, which provides direction for the organisation's priorities and activities.
The Assembly also adopted decisions concerning the expansion of the Global ACI Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA) to additional accreditation schemes and transitions to revised international standards. These developments are important in promoting consistency, technical competence and confidence in accreditation systems across participating economies.
Other developments included decisions relating to the Global ACI CertSearch database and cooperation with international organisations, further strengthening the global infrastructure supporting accreditation and conformity assessment.
What This Means for Kenya
For Kenya, participation in global accreditation decision-making is important in ensuring that the national accreditation system remains aligned with international requirements and responsive to emerging industry needs.
Through its accreditation services, KENAS assesses the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of conformity assessment bodies, including laboratories, inspection bodies and certification bodies.
International recognition of accreditation arrangements supports the acceptance of results issued by accredited conformity assessment bodies across participating markets, helping businesses avoid unnecessary duplication of testing, inspection and certification activities.
This contributes to reducing technical barriers to trade, improving the competitiveness of Kenyan goods and services, and strengthening confidence among regulators, businesses and consumers.
The decisions made through Global ACI are also relevant to Kenya's industrialisation agenda, particularly as manufacturers and exporters seek to demonstrate compliance with quality, safety and other market requirements.
Strengthening Kenya's Voice in Global Accreditation
KENAS's participation in the General Assembly reflects its continued engagement in regional and international accreditation cooperation and its commitment to contributing to decisions that influence the global accreditation landscape.
As industries adopt emerging technologies and international trade requirements evolve, cooperation among accreditation bodies remains essential to maintaining credible, internationally recognised conformity assessment systems.
KENAS will continue to strengthen its accreditation services, engage with international partners and support the development of a quality infrastructure system that facilitates trade, protects consumers and contributes to sustainable industrial growth.
Through international cooperation and credible accreditation, KENAS continues to build confidence in Kenyan goods and services and support their access to regional and global markets.
